Is HIFU effective for prostate cancer?

Is HIFU effective for prostate cancer?

Use of focal high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was shown to be effective and safe in patients with localized prostate cancer, according to findings published in the Journal of Urology. At a minimum follow-up of 12 months, 83% of patients receiving HIFU had negative in-field biopsy results.

What happens to prostate after HIFU?

If you have focal HIFU, you might have low-risk cancer in another area of the prostate that is not treated on purpose. You will have regular tests to monitor the cancer that isn’t treated. These might include PSA tests, MRI scans, and prostate biopsies. After HIFU, your PSA level should fall and then stay low.

What is the cost of HIFU treatment for prostate cancer?

The treatment can range in cost from $15,000 to $25,000. HIFU is the latest treatment to prompt concerns over whether there should be limits — such as requiring tracking of results — placed on expensive new technology while additional data is gathered.

What are the side effects of HIFU for prostate cancer?

These include:

• Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, sexual impotence.
• Urinary tract infections, incontinence, frequency, burning sensation, urinary retention.
• Rectal wall injury, rectal incontinence, burning and bleeding from the probe.
• Prostate infection.
• Return of prostate cancer.

What is the success rate of HIFU for prostate cancer?

Results: HIFU overall success rate was 84% (biochemical relapses in only 4 patients out of 25). Success rate was represented as follows: 94.2% in the low risk group, 83.4% in the intermediate risk group and 0% in the high risk group.

Is HIFU a good treatment?

HIFU is considered a safe, effective, and noninvasive procedure for tightening the facial skin. Its advantages over a surgical face lift are hard to deny. There are no incisions, no scarring, and no required rest or recovery time. HIFU is also far less expensive than a face lift.

Does HIFU really work?

A single session can produce results, with a noticeable improvement in wrinkles becoming visible in three to six months, lasting up to three years. Within the medical industry, HIFU has a long history of effective treatment and this amazing technology is now applied in advanced face and body sculpting treatments.

When to use HIFU for prostate cancer treatment?

This is called salvage HIFU. HIFU may not be suitable if you have a large prostate. Focal HIFU may still be an option if the areas of cancer are close enough to the probe for the ultrasound to treat.

Who was the first Urologist to use HIFU?

HIFU has been used extensively in Japan and Europe where clinical studies have shown HIFU to be a safe and effective prostate cancer treatment. A/Prof Peter Royce was the first Urologist in Melbourne, Australia to use HIFU for the treatment of prostate cancer.

How is HIFU treatment performed in the urinary tract?

Videocystoscopy is performed to examine the lower urinary tract and prostate. The HIFU probe is inserted into the rectum and ultrasound images of the prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum and urethra are used to target the HIFU treatment onto the prostate gland. HIFU treatment is then commenced and prostate tissue is ablated in 3 stages.

Are there any early stage studies of HIFU focal therapy?

A five-year early-stage study of high-intensity focused ultrasound resulted in tumour progression being halted in men with intermediate-risk, localised prostate cancer. But more evidence is needed to prove its benefits hold up against existing treatment options and for all men with the disease.